A story was published in a Journal, stating that, “Mouthwash could protect against COVID-19 by destroying the outer layer of fat the virus uses to bind to human cells, scientists suggest”

News CLAIM: A story was published in a Journal, stating that, “Mouthwash could protect against COVID-19 by destroying the outer layer of fat the virus uses to bind to human cells, scientists suggest”  

Mouthwash has the potential to protect against COVID-19 infection by killing the coronavirus before it can infect human cells, according to a new report. 

Commercial mouthwash could prevent COVID-19 transmission, scientists say: Mouthwash has the potential to kill the coronavirus and prevent COVID-19 infection, according to a new report from virologists, lipid specialists, and healthcare experts.

TRUTH & Verification:  As per World Health Organizations (WHO), No. There is no evidence that using mouthwash will protect you from infection with the new coronavirus.      

According to the report, coronavirus is surrounded by a fatty membrane, and scientists have noticed that the membranes of similar pathogens “have been disrupted when exposed to ingredients commonly found in mouthwashes, like ethanol, povidone-iodine and cetylpyridinium.”

The idea, per the report, is that using mouthwash could break up the virus in a person’s mouth and throat and help prevent it from spreading via coughs and sneezes.

While there’s no evidence, yet, to back up that theory, it probably can’t hurt to up your mouthwash use. Worst case, your breath stays minty fresh. Best case, you help curb coronavirus.

Some brands of mouthwash can eliminate certain microbes for a few minutes in the saliva in your mouth

”However, this does not mean they protect you from 2019-nCoV infection.“

VERDICT: False

About The Author

Chetan Sharma is an Indian fact-checker and news writer, writing news for Ayupp since 2014.

You Might Be Interested In

Latest On Ayupp.com